January Goals

One of my very fav bloggers, and a friend from high school, does a post at the start of every month where she lists out her goals. I've always enjoyed reading them so I have decided to shamelessly steal this concept and do it myself.

So, behold. My first installment!

Since I'm just kick-starting this whole "monthly goals thing" I wanted to keep it simple and attainable. My January goals are as follows:

1. Finish reading Gone Girl. You guys, I seriously have been reading this for an embarrassingly long amount of time. I am thoroughly enjoying it but can never seem to carve out time to make serious headway. If I have down time I'd much rather relax on the couch under a cozy blanket and watch TV. So this goal is kind of twofold... finish the book and by proxy, read more.  
2. Lose 5 lbs. Yes, I know it is totally cliche this time of year but I really need to do it this time. We have a family vacation planned in July to the beach and I really want to be in a good place by then. I'm starting with a lose 5 lbs a month goal and I'll probably tailor this a bit as I go. Eating healthier and regular exercise is how I intend to make this happen. Which brings me to goal #3...
3. Exercise at least three times a week. We have a gym at work so I intend to do most of my workouts over my lunch breaks and already have one under my belt so far this week. I would have more but meetings popped up yesterday and again today so I'm going to have to get creative outside of the work hours to make sure I stay active and hit this goal.

What are your goals for the month?  

Two!

Sweet Girl,
Today is your 2nd birthday! I'm so excited to celebrate with you and I wanted to drop a line to share some of my thoughts on your past year.

Let me just start by saying I love you more than I could ever express. Your past year as a one year old was such a fun one! You hit the ground running (figuratively and literally). You are constantly on the move and your favorite mode is either running or jumping. Probably because it's how you keep up with your big brother!

Speaking of your big brother... This past year the two of you started to play together in a very engaging way. You really are each other's best friends and you get lost in your made up games and giggles. Your brother adores you and wants to comfort you when you are crying, help you down the stairs if you are struggling, and share with you when you have none. Even this morning he burst into his classroom at drop-off and announced proudly, "Today is my sister's birthday!" The teacher chuckled and replied back with a smile, "I know, that's all you could talk about yesterday." He cares for you so very much and we all know the feeling is mutual.

See for yourself...

You look up to him! Once again, figuratively and (as you can see by the pics) literally!

But I think what your Father and I have enjoyed the most about one-year-old-you, is to behold the truly amazing little being you've blossomed into. As a baby you were a silent observer barely making a peep. But now? Holy guacamole!!!! I've mentioned it here before, you are a true force. Fearless, eager, lovable, hilarious, head-strong, and quite the intellect. We only have to show something or explain something to you once and you've got the hang of it. You figure things out on your own in a very methodical and pragmatic way. We are constantly in awe of you and occasionally shaking our heads to your wild antics. We don't stifle said antics we just know it is who you are and you need to figure things out your own way. And in case you were wondering... "your own way" is usually the rough and tumble way!

You are tough as nails but girly and sweet at the same time. You've had a strong love of stuffed animals since you were a tiny baby and you turn to lamby and pink blankie for soothing. You could live off of yogurt and macaroni and cheese if we'd let you. And you are the most expressive little girl I know!

Oh, Marlow. ::happy sigh::

I'm beyond excited to see what's in store for you. If these past two years have taught me anything, it's that YOU will carve your own path, at your own pace, on your own terms. And my sweet girl, we'd have it no other way...

Merry, Merry. Happy, Happy.

Merry Christmas!

I'm super late posting our Christmas recap. We've just been having so much fun! For the first time EVER in my working history, I took off from Christmas Eve to Jan 5th. It was such a treat to spend quality time with family and not feel rushed or run-down. I may have to make a habit of this!

Hubs and I have seriously relished the time spent with our kids. The magic of Christmas, quiet snow days at home, their first time sledding and a trip to the museum. It has been pure joy! Laughter and smiles were constant not only for them, but for the two of us as well. I am seriously going to miss those two come Monday morning when I'm back to reality. It's going to be rough!

I'm also going to miss Hubs. Last week the kids did go to school Mon-Wed and we were able to take care of some house stuff and relax like champs! We binge watched House of Cards and ate ice cream sundaes at 2pm. Sometimes being an adult has it's perks. ;)

I had a very ambitious list of things to accomplish on my time off and honestly only checked two things off that list. I am also not proud of the fact that I didn't workout once... but I'm also not ashamed. I needed this time to slow down and rejuvenate. But most importantly to focus on what really matters. My family is what I'm most proud of in my life and everything else is secondary. I soaked it all up this Holiday Season and now I'm ready to face 2015 head-on!

So, Happy New Year!

I saw a quote recently:

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you have now was once among the things you only hoped for.

This is going to be my motto for 2015. The past year was a doozy for us and not in a good way. We have been humbled greatly from the financial struggles we've faced. It hasn't been pretty and we can't wait to come out the other side of this. Each day is getting better but we still have a ways to go and we'll hopefully reach our goals by the first half of the year. Wish us luck!

But the message in that quote is an important one. Because while I've hated being where we are financially, I need to remember that what I have now... a beautiful family of my own, our health, and our very first house, are "things" I've always hoped for. I have everything I want and need and the rest will fall into place with planning and discipline. 

As far as resolutions go? I resolve to make none. I just want to work hard in 2015 personally and professionally. I want to be a better wife and mother and I know for me what that will entail. I want to enjoy the "now" more because it is fleeting. I also want to really work on losing weight but that seems far too cliche to even mention at the start of the year. Oh, well. Now that I think about it... didn't I just list resolutions after pretending I wasn't going to have any? Hey, it's my blog. I'll do what I want!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday and I hope everyone has a happy and healthy 2015! Let's do this!